If you've never set foot in Canada, there are a few words you probably haven't heard before. After all, every country has their own unique phrases. Here are a few common Canadian words we should all start using:
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1. Tuque
This is a beanie. So the next time you put one on your head, try asking everyone if they like your "tuque" and see how they respond to you.
2. Hoser
This is an insult. It's the equivalent of "idiot," so if you're fed up with one of your friends, you can try calling them a hoser and see how they respond.
3. Runners
These are pretty self-explanatory. They're "sneakers." It makes sense, doesn't it? After all, you have to put on your runners in order to go for a run.
4. Parkade
This is a "parking garage." It sounds a little more interesting than the word Americans are used to using.
5. Pencil Crayon
You can probably guess what this word means. It's just a "colored pencil." Of course, "pencil crayon" makes just as much sense.
6. Gasbar
This is what Canadians call the "gas station," but it's a lot more fun than our word for it. After all, when you fill up your tank, you're basically at a bar for your car.
7. Fire Hall
This is a "fire station." It isn't all that different than the word that Americans use for it.
8. All-dressed
This is a word you'd use to describe the way you want your food to be seasoned. So if you wanted a hot dog with everything on it, you'd say you wanted it "all-dressed."
9. Freezies
You might know these as "otter pops." They're basically flavored strips of ice that come in plastic. However, "otter pops" don't make much sense while "freezies" describes the frozen treat pretty accurately.
10. Stagette
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This is what you might call a "bachelorette party" or a "hen party." It's what a woman will do with her friends right before she gets married.
11. Rink Rat
It's no secret that Canadians love hockey. That's why they have a term like this. A "rink rat" is someone who loves spending time in the ice rink.
12. Chocolate Bar
We refer to pieces of pure chocolate as chocolate bars. However, in Canada, they'll refer to other types of candy bars, like Snickers, as chocolate bars.
13. Track Pants
These are simply "sweatpants." Just like runners, they make perfect sense, because you'll put on your track pants before running around a track.
14. Rubber
This one is used in a few countries. No, it's not a condom. It's an "eraser."
15. Homo Millk
This has nothing to do with sexuality. It's what Canadians call their "homogenized whole milk."
16. Queue
When you're stuck standing in a line, you could call it a "queue" instead. This word is used in quite a few countries, so most people will know what you're talking about without asking you to explain it to them.
17. Housecoat
This is what some Canadians call their "robes." It sounds a lot fancier than the word that Americans use.
If you ever get the chance to visit Canada, take it. It's a beautiful country with super sweet people! What other common Canadian words do you use in everyday life?
Comments
1Mummer: I am Canadian, and I have heard of all of these words ! Come to Newfoundland and Labrador if you would like to hear a feast of words the rest of Canada doesn't understand!😉
BrittanyBAKER: Where I'm from they're just called "Popsicles" lol
T: Lots of negative people on here... I am Canadian and have used or heard all of these terms (except for rubber... I say eraser). Another couple to add to the list are 'eh' (I agree with Travelgalxo), and 'bunny hug'- aka hoodie or sweatshirt in Saskatchewan. :)
Travelgalxo: As a Canadian, Pretty sure you're missing 'eh' .. A simple classic word to end pretty much all statements or questions .. Enough said haha ;)
Sammy: I am also from Canada and we don't use most of these words, no one calls anyone a hoser unless your making a joke.... and we call it a parking garage as well or underground parking lol. Made me laugh but yea definitely check your slangs first.
Rihab: What?! They don't say Freezies in the US? I learn something new everyday
Zoekb11: I am Canadian and I have never heard some of these words
carrie: A beanie and a toque are not the same thing. Also a rubber is a condom. I'm from Ontario so maybe it's different in more northern parts but I've never heard of most of these terms.
Mariecat13: I learned a lot of words... even though I am Canadian myself. Yes, I'm a French Canadian x) Is it true that other provinces are using the word "tuque"? :3
Sammy: Also we call it a fire station as well, and at least where I am you never say you want something all dressed, you literally say can I have everything on it lol sorry had to add that In as well
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